WORKERS at one of the North-East's biggest car plants, which is facing closure, are demanding union recognition.

Employees at Calsonic Kansei in Shildon, County Durham, say they want union representatives at their side as the company decides whether or not it has a future in the town.

The firm announced last month that production of car heaters will move to a sister plant in Washington, Tyne and Wear, or move over- seas putting 200 jobs in jeopardy.

A large number of employees gathered in a local pub on Tuesday night to ask union officials from Amicus for its help.

One worker who did not wish to be named said: "I just think it is well above the heads of the works council. The consultation seems to be going nowhere.

"We know the law, or we seem to know the law, but if the company says no, then that is as far as we can go."

Carol McFarlane, regional officer for Amicus, said that she had written to bosses at Calsonic to request amicable discussions, but despite promises the company has yet to meet with her.

She said that workers did not know whether redundancy would be offered and felt that they were being forced to move to Washington.

She said: "The company are speaking to an internal works council.

"The council has put the question of introducing the trade union into the discussion to assist them but the company has refused.

"What does Calsonic have to fear in recognising Amicus as the trade union in Shildon? They recognise it in South Wales.''

Bosses at Calsonic Kansei have declined to comment on the issue.